MONDAY

Daily Star, Beirut

Souk smolders

Large parts of the historic souk in Aleppo, Syria, smoldered Sunday after a fire sparked by clashes between government and opposition forces a day earlier ravaged the UNESCO world heritage site. The souk's devastation prompted an outpouring of anger from residents frustrated with the cost of a revolution they say is destroying Syria's rich cultural and historical legacy. So far, both sides have failed to gain the upper hand, and up to 30,000 people have been killed, according to activist groups.

Iraq bombings

Coordinated bomb attacks killed more than 32 people across Iraq on Sunday, the latest violence in an insurgency the government has failed to quell more than nine months after the last U.S. troops withdrew. Sunni Islamists still launch frequent attacks to undermine the Shiite-led government's claim to provide security and prove they remain a potent threat.

TUESDAY

National Post, Toronto

Ikea apology

The Swedish furniture-making giant Ikea says it "regrets" removing images of women from a Saudi Arabian version of its catalog. The decision raised questions in Sweden about Ikea's commitment to gender equality. Women appear infrequently in Saudi advertising, mostly on Saudi-owned TV channels that show them in long dresses and long sleeves, with scarves covering their hair. In imported magazines, censors black out many parts of a woman's body.

Judge admonished

An Ontario judge who told an antiabortion activist "Your God is wrong" and jailed her for six months has been admonished by an appeals court colleague, who called the comments by Justice S.F. Clements "inappropriate" and reduced the sentence. Mary Wagner was found guilty of mischief and breach of probation. She has a lengthy criminal record that includes jail time due to abortion clinic protests.

WEDNESDAY

China Daily, Beijing

Ferry accident

Seven crew members from two vessels have been arrested as the death toll from a ferry collision with a boat packed with revelers in celebration of China's National Day near Lamma Island in Hong Kong reached 38 on Tuesday. Four survivors remained in critical condition, and dozens were receiving treatment for injuries and trauma. The ferry was carrying 124 passengers. It was the worst accident since the handover of Hong Kong by Great Britain in 1997.

Free Internet

The fear of being disconnected may soon end in major cities across China as the concept of a metropolis with free and open wireless connectivity becomes increasingly realistic. There are more than 538 million users connected to the Internet in China, many of whom link to it through wireless devices. Beijing only offers free Wi-Fi to the public in six downtown locations.

THURSDAY

Hurriyet Daily News, Istanbul

Border tension

A woman and four children were killed while eight others were injured Wednesday when Syrian mortars landed in the Turkish border town of Akcakale, prompting urgent meetings at the foreign ministry. In response, the military launched nearly 20 artillery shots back at Syria. After the shelling, the parliament approved a motion by a 320-129 vote that permits cross-border raids on Syria. Deputy Prime Minister Besir Atalay said the vote was "not for war" but to deter Syria from further violence. Outside the parliament, police fired pepper spray on antiwar protesters.

Bible tours

Turkuaz Tours, a U.S. company, hopes to attract American tourists by offering "Bible Tours" that promote Turkey's Christian legacy. Company ads note that many books of the New Testament were written to or from Turkish churches and that the Apostles Paul, Peter and John lived or preached in Turkey.

FRIDAY

Manila Standard Today

Ex-president arrested

Police arrested former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Thursday, detaining her in a hospital on corruption charges in her third indictment and second detention since stepping down in 2010. The charges are related to allegations of misuse of $8.8 million in state lottery funds. Arroyo, who was wearing a neck brace, says she is suffering from hypertension. (Editor's note: Arroyo is under investigation for a variety of corruption offenses allegedly committed during her 2001-10 presidency).

Political dynasties

The Catholic Church expressed alarm over the continuing spread of political dynasties, citing the case of boxing icon and Congressman Manny Pacquiao. His wife and younger brother are running for vice governor and Congress respectively in their district of South Cotabato.